Can We Predict Forage Nutritive Value With Weather Parameters?

Abstract

Developing management practices to better utilize forage resources can improve cattle performance and ef ciency. Cattle operations that utilize rangelands depend on rainfall distribution, for- age quality, stocking rates, and various other management practices. In the cow/calf phase of the cattle industry, forages supply the majority of the crude protein (CP) and energy to meet cattle nutrient requirements. Forages in south Texas have been reported to be de cient in digestible energy and CP for lactating cows and marginal for dry cows at certain times of the year.1 A challenge for grazing cattle operations is maintaining a nutritionally adequate forage base throughout the entire year.2 The ability to use easily accessible informa- tion to predict when standing forage may lack the nutrients to sustain cattle production could be valuable to the ranching community.

DOI: 10.2458/azu_rangelands_v35i6_mccuistion